Heathlands are vanishing. The UK holds 20% of the world's remaining heathland habitat. Urgent action is needed to combat encroaching invasive species and to connect the remnants of this important habitat in the care of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Heathlands are crucial habitats for endangered species like Viviparous Lizard, Meadow Pipit and Nightjar yet they are disappearing due to invasive species and climate change. This has led to a decline in biodiversity, threatening invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and plants. We urgently need to restore the heathland habitat in our care to prevent loss of habitat at: Blacka Moor, Wyming Brook, Fox Hagg and Greno Woods to create safe havens for wildlife.
Solution
Clearing invasive species: Remove brambles, bracken and non-native species that threaten heathland habitats. Controlling the expansion of scrub: Remove small trees growing in the heathland to maintain the heathland/woodland mosaic. Increase biodiversity: Promote natural regeneration of native species such as heather and bilberry, with occasional seed spreading if required. Creating wildlife corridors: Link fragmented heathland areas to allow safe movement for wildlife between habitats.
